Eagles Gang-Green has returned. Philadelphia is fast gaining that reputation back as it's
vaunted defense steps up week after week. The Eagles rank 4th in defense in the NFC. The
Eagles defensive line continues to get constant pressure on the QB, sacking him often.
The Eagles rank up with everyone with total sacks with NFL leader Hugh Douglas leading the
way. He had 1 1/2 today. But it was the crushing hit by Mike Caldwell on Bears QB Cade McNown
which is starting to scare teams when they play against the Eagles. Of course, the turf at the
Vet also helped in the separated shoulder that McNown suffered in the 2nd quarter. The Birds D
sacked Bears QBs 3 times while holding both QBs to 160 yards net passing. McNown's replacement,
former Steeler Jim Miller only completed 14 of 34 passes for only 128 yards. He was also
intercepted by Brian Dawkins. On the whole, the Eagles again did not allow a touchdown
and held the Bears to 3 forth quarter FGs while holding on to a 13-9 win which in turn
raised their record to 5-3 with another showdown against the Giants next week.
Philadelphia matched last year's win total half way through the season. Last year, the Eagles
finished the season beating both the Pats and Rams on the last 2 weeks and had a 5-11 record.
This year, only eight games in, they already have 5 wins with 8 more games to go. They could
end up 10-6 on the season which guarantee themselves with a wildcard berth at worse. If they
win next week against the Giants and the Redskins lose to the defending AFC champs Tennessee
Titans on Monday Night Football, then the Birds would be sitting pretty with a 6-3 record and
have a real shot at winning the NFC Eastern Division instead of simply a wildcard berth. The
Eagles got some very winnable games ahead with home games against the Cowboys and Cards, an
away game at Pittsburgh and they finish the season against the Browns and Bengals. They do have
2 tough games against Tennessee and Washington, but if they win all the fore-mentioned games
along with next week versus the Giants, they would complete an 11-5 season. Not bad for second
year head coach Andy Reid. They would be assured at least of one home playoff game, maybe two.
Donovan McNabb must continue to spread the ball around as he has. Today he completed 22
passes on 35 attempts, but 8 different receivers had their hands on balls, with Charles
Johnson leading the way with 6 catches and 57 yards. His big 25 yard reception in the last
minute of the first half set up the Eagles only TD of the day and gave the Birds a 10-0
lead at the half. The Birds running game by committeee also gained 97 yards on the ground
with Darnell Autry leading the way with 37 rushing yards. The way the Eagles defense is
playing combined with Donovan McNabb's playmaking abilities make the Eagles a real threat
in every game to win. Though they are a young team which can make mistakes, they come to
play every week. Combine that with the youthfulness of this team and you can say the Eagles
will be around for quite a while in the forseeable future. Go get them Giants.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Darnell Autrey eludes a
tackle by Chicago Bears Brian Urlacher as Bears Walt Harris
moves to tackle in the first quarter. Autry finished the day
with 37 yards rushing, but had 70 yards receiving.
Eagles kicker is greeted after making a 51 yard
field goal to give the Birds the early 3-0 lead.
Charles Johnson dives to the three yard line
in the final minute of the second quarter setting
up the only Eagles TD on the day.
Eagles' cornerbacks Troy Vincent & Bobby Taylor break up the
last second "Hail Mary" pass attempt.